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Apple's 2026 Mac mini with M6, 24GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is being framed as a fast compact desktop that feels noticeably snappier than older M4 models and handles everyday work with ease. The hardware is praised as very stable under heavy use, even across multiple monitors, and the Costco price can stack with a $50 off $500 coupon. Main caveats are the 3 plus week lead time, non upgradable storage, and the fact that 24GB is not enough for local large language model work. It is a strong fit for general desktop use, but not for expandable storage or serious AI workloads.
People running everyday desktop apps and multiple monitors, because the machine stays snappy and stable under varied workloads.
Yes. The same price is available at Costco, and it comes with a longer return window and better customer service than Amazon. A $50 off $500 Costco coupon can also stack with it.
24GB is enough for basic everyday tasks, but it is not enough for running a local LLM comfortably. For that use, 48GB to 64GB is the practical target, especially for larger models.
I have an m4 24gb 2TB mini and the thing is a tank. It's never hesitated even for a second on anything, while running all kinds of nonsense on three monitors.
I agree initially I was skeptical to pull the trigger on the tradein for 25-30% performance gain but after getting i can definitely say its much snappier.
Reminder for those wanting to do AI, the M6 chip base cannot do the coordination via the thunderbolt ports that the ultras can, so you (AFAIK) cannot link these together to run gigantic models.
I'm not liking where the price of Mac Minis are going, especially for the entry model. With these high prices, in addition to price pressures from everything else, it's difficult to justify a purchase like this.
M4 Mac Mini with 16GB cost me $499 with student discount last year. Plenty fast for years to come. These new prices are far too high IMO
Component prices were different when you bought last yr. Its as if people here dont undersand business or inflation. If Apple could sell these items are the earlier pricing it would be at those lower prices. High is relative.
I'm not liking where the price of Mac Minis are going, especially for the entry model. With these high prices, in addition to price pressures from everything else, it's difficult to justify a purchase like this.
Does any one here realize that businesses also by computers for business purposes. Thefore a MAC mini st 1149 wont break the bank for a business, or the base model a few hundred less. Anyone not happy can buy used off FB marketplace or Ebay for lower price points.
Last edited by robertw477 October 9, 2026 at 05:16 AM.
Would this be too overkill to use as a media computer to browse and stream from TV? I'm currently using my old 2013 MBP 13" hooked up to TV via HDMI to stream and browse stuff. Thing is so old it no longer supports new OS updates and the battery is starting to bulge...
If this mini is around $500, I'd be all over it.
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Those of you who think Apple is just increasing prices for fun need to do 4 minutes of research on what is happening to the cost of components in semiconductor right now due to AI/data center CAPEX
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Community Reviews
Apple's 2026 Mac mini with M6, 24GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is being framed as a fast compact desktop that feels noticeably snappier than older M4 models and handles everyday work with ease. The hardware is praised as very stable under heavy use, even across multiple monitors, and the Costco price can stack with a $50 off $500 coupon. Main caveats are the 3 plus week lead time, non upgradable storage, and the fact that 24GB is not enough for local large language model work. It is a strong fit for general desktop use, but not for expandable storage or serious AI workloads.
People running everyday desktop apps and multiple monitors, because the machine stays snappy and stable under varied workloads.
Creators or power users who want a faster Mac mini than older models, because the M6 feels much snappier and performs a lot better.
Home media setups using a TV for streaming and browsing, because the mini is more than enough for that kind of use.
AI builders wanting to link multiple units for gigantic local models, because the base M6 cannot coordinate over Thunderbolt like the Ultras.
Local LLM users who need heavier models, because 24GB RAM is not enough and lighter models can produce too many errors.
Shoppers who need expandable storage later, because this configuration's storage is not upgradable.
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If this mini is around $500, I'd be all over it.
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